More teeth have been lost due to tooth decay and gum disease than any other condition. Conditions that affect the mouth, like periodontitis or late-stage gum disease, are also linked to serious medical problems, ranging from respiratory illnesses to heart disease.
Fortunately, Chase Patton, DDS, partners with our neighbors in Columbia, Missouri, to support their oral and overall health with preventative dentistry. Routine dental checkups are cornerstone of this healthy approach to dental care. For new and “seasoned” patients alike, no checkup would be complete without Dr. Patton performing the crucial dental exam.
The “standard” rule is that healthy individuals should maintain oral exams and cleanings once every six months or twice yearly. Patients who are at increased risk of developing oral cancer, gum disease, or tooth decay should visit us more frequently. That way, we can stay ahead of problems and closely monitor any interventions or therapies to see how well they work to resolve any existing disease.
Dr. Patton performs a complete and thorough exam that partly involves checking for problems at their earliest stages. These problems affect the oral cavity (mouth) as well as neighboring tissue/anatomy (like the jaw joints). It is not uncommon for early inflammation of the gums or early tooth decay that wears at the protective enamel to be “silent” or not associated with any noticeable changes. Or, the changes may be modest (and easily ignored).
When “pink in the sink,” sensitivity or pain, and other changes are undeniable, damage may have already occurred that requires aggressive treatment or may even be irreparable.
So, exams help to prevent pain that can interfere with your life, as well as the expense and time associated with invasive procedures to “save” or replace badly damaged teeth.
These six-month visits are also great opportunities:
Are you due for a comprehensive visit to your friends at Chase Patton, DDS? Call our office in Columbia, MO, at (573) 875-7040 to get caught up and back on the right track.